《论语》中的“礼”及其当代价值

The meaning of "Li" in The Analects and its Contemporary value

"礼"是《论语》中的一个重要概念。《论语》中的"礼",以"仁"为核心,并且注重礼仪形式与内容的统一。《论语》中关于"礼"的论述具有当代价值,对个人而言:"约之以礼"能"弗畔";讲"礼"才能做到中庸;不学礼,无以立;知礼是成为君子的必要条件。对国家而言:治国需要礼的节制;统治者"好礼","则民易使也";"礼"也是国家考量和选拔人才的重要标准。

In The Analects, ＂Li＂ （propriety） is a very important conception. It emphasizes the unity of form and content of etiquette with ＂ Ren＂ （benevolence） at the core. The demonstration of ＂Li＂ in The Analects also has important contemporary value. For individual person, if someone can restrain himself by ＂Li＂, there will be no big mistakes during his life; only based on ＂ Li＂, one can be moderate; someone who do not learn ＂Li＂ can hardly be successful in the society, therefore, ＂ Li＂ is one of requirements for gentleman. For governing country, ＂Li＂ is a necessary rule; if the governor rules the country by ＂ Li＂ , then the civilians will also learn ＂ Li＂, furthermore, ＂Li＂ is also one criteria of selecting talents for country.